Denver Theme Parks, Roller Coasters and More
There are lots of relaxing things to do while you’re in Denver. Explore an art museum. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Platte River. Take in a classical orchestra at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. But if you’re in the mood for something a little more pulse-pounding, you’re in luck. The Mile High City is filled with thrills – from gravity-defying roller coasters to challenging climbing walls to wet ‘n’ wild waterslides, you’re guaranteed to get your adrenaline fix in Denver. Here are a few highlights.
The original Elitch Gardens opened in Denver way back in 1890. But just because the park has a long history doesn’t mean it’s out of date – this is by no means your grandfather’s theme park. Die-hard roller coaster fans will love Elitch’s unique, state-of-the-art rides. The Half Pipe, the only ride of its kind in the U.S. sends you and 16 other brave souls spinning and screaming up and down a ten-story tall half pipe at speeds of up to 60 MPH. It only lasts about 60 seconds – but every second is intense. And speaking of intense, Elitch’s XLR8R is the world’s highest free fall swing. You’ll be strapped in securely and sent flying across the park, coming ever-so-close to the ground before being shot back up into the air. Try not to scream, we dare you. Finally, thrill-seekers will not want to miss the Mind Eraser, a monstrously fun suspension coaster that climbs ten stories and plummets downward at speeds of over 60 MPH.
The family-owned Lakeside Amusement Park is a long-standing Denver institution that’s great for all ages. Serious roller coaster aficionados, however, should head straight to the Wild Chipmunk, a topsy-turvy two-person ride that speeds you up, down and all around at breathtaking speeds. Watch out for that hair-raising double dip! The Cyclone Coaster, Lakeside’s other premier ride, offers a speedy, scream-worthy trip high above the park on clattering wooden tracks. Thrill seekers loved it in 1940 when it opened, and still love it today. It’s a ride that’s garnered acclaim far and wide, including being named an American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) Coaster Classic.
Are all these roller coasters sounding a bit too tame for you? Then maybe you should give Skyventure a try. Their Lone Tree location offers the unbeatable rush of skydiving, minus the high altitude. You’ll train with some of the world’s best flight instructors and then step into an utterly unique climate controlled vertical wind tunnel. Then the fun begins. High-powered gusts of wind create a smooth, wall-to-wall airflow that will send you floating into the air. It’s about the closest thing to flying that those of us without feathers will ever experience.
The eight-acre The Boondocks Fun Center in Northglenn is packed with exciting activities, including bumper boats, mini-golf, batting cages and more. But for the biggest thrills for your bucks, check out the center’s King Scorpion Go-Kart Track. You’ll get behind the wheel and go head-to-head with friends and family as you make your way around this 1,100-foot long, 30-foot wide track of hair pinned twists and banked turns.
Colorado is renowned for its wide array of rock-climbing options, with the Rocky Mountains beckoning thrill seekers from all over the world. However, one of the most intense climbing challenges in the state is nowhere near the mountains. Rock’n Jam’n (with locations in Thornton and Centennial) is home the state’s tallest and most spectacular indoor climbing walls. There are routes designed for all skill levels, but if you’re a seasoned climber looking for an out-of-this-world experience, give the Lead Cave wall a try. You’ll need your full powers of concentration to make it to the top of this difficult (and occasionally horizontal) route. But once you’ve conquered the Lead Cave, you’ll feel ready to take on the world.
Every summer, thousands of Colorado residents flock to Water World, looking to beat the heat, relax in the park’s beautifully landscaped 64 acres – and ride some serious waterslides. The Zoomerang is a gargantuan half pipe water slide almost four stories high. You’ll climb into a single-, double- or triple-person inner tube, take a deep breath and plunge over the edge for a free-falling sensation. One of the most popular aquatic attractions at Water World is the aptly-named Screamin’ Mimi, where riders zoom down a 50-foot track at 30 MPH and then glide gracefully across the splash down pool.